Regional ecosystem details for 11.5.14
| Regional ecosystem | 11.5.14 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 33, 32, (36) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 4000 ha; Remnant 2021 4000 ha |
| Short description | Triodia sp. open hummock grassland with emergent trees on Cainozoic sand plains and/or remnant surfaces. Highly alkaline soils |
| Structure code | Open Hummock Grassland |
| Description | Triodia sp. open hummock grassland with scattered low trees and shrubs. Triodia scariosa open hummock grassland with scattered trees and shrubs or patches of shrubland to low open woodland of Allocasuarina luehmannii with Melaleuca densispicata, Eremophila mitchellii, Santalum lanceolatum +/- emergent Eucalyptus woollsiana, and occasional E. populnea. E. camaldulensis occurs along the drainage lines. Scattered short grasses and forbs such as Chloris divaricata, C. truncata and Sclerolaena tricuspis and Salsola australis also occur. Occurs on Cainozoic sandplains with highly alkaline soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 33b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 11.5.14a: Eucalyptus crebra and Allocasuarina luehmannii woodland with a ground layer of Triodia vella. Occurs on Cainozoic sandplains with highly alkaline soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 18b). |
| Supplementary description | Isbell (1957), MU15; Biggs et al. (2007) |
| Special values | 11.5.14: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Acacia argyrotricha. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Late wet to early dry season when there is good soil moisture. Early storm season or after good spring rains. a: Late wet to early dry season when there is good soil moisture. Early storm season or after good spring rains. INTENSITY: Low to moderate. a: Various. INTERVAL: Less frequent than other spinifex ecosystems in south of bioregion (see RE 11.5.6). a: 6-15 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 6. INTERVAL_MAX: 15. STRATEGY: Burn <30%. a: Burn less than 30% in any year. Burn under conditions of good soil moisture and when plants are actively growing. All shrubby areas will carry fire after a good season. ISSUES: Saline ecosystem. Encroachment issues might need to be considered. Regeneration of spinifex is promoted by fire, but at the expense of woodland species. a: Management of this fire tolerant vegetation type should be based on maintaining vegetation composition, structural diversity, animal habitats and preventing extensive wildfire. Maintaining a fire mosaic will ensure protection of habitat and mitigate against wildfires. Planned burns have traditionally been carried out in the winter dry season; further research required. |
| Comments | 11.5.14: This regional ecosystem includes the area known as the "Yelarbon Desert" which is a natural saline discharge area (Biggs et al. 2007). Some cleared areas have suffered top soil loss and require rehabilitation. Much of the area presents with a scalded clay pan like appearance due to erosion. These scalded areas are distinctive on remote aerial imagery. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
